One of the closest watched elections in the state was finally settled Wednesday night shortly after 10:30 p.m. With 98 of the state's 100 counties reporting, Mark Meadows was officially deemed victorious over Morganton businessman Vance Patterson in the Republican run-off election for North Carolina's 11th District Congressional Seat.

Meadows, a real-estate investor and businessman currently residing in Cashiers secured the Republican nomination for the November election after defeating Patterson with 17,427 votes, or 76 percent, to Patterson's 5,408.

“We are truly humbles and very excited about the response from last night,” said Meadows Wednesday morning. “This is not about me, but instead its about the thousands of volunteers across North Carolina who have come out to help our campaign to reclaim America and to get big government off the back of the American people.”

Of the 1,152 votes cast in Macon County, Meadows garnered 969 votes or 84 percent to Patterson's 183 votes or 15 percent. “Macon County was very good to me in this election and I would be remiss if I didn’t say thank you to everyone who got out and voted and called their friends, neighbors, and church members and encouraged them to get out and vote.”

Although originally from Florida, Meadows currently lives and works in Jackson County where out of 869 votes cast, he secured 769 or 88 percent. He celebrated his victory in Henderson County at the Hampton Inn in Fletcher where he and his family were greeted with congratulatory support.

“I think Mark Meadows prevailing in the run-off election is great news,” said Chair of the Macon County Republican Party Chris Murray. “He won 76 percent of the vote which I believe speaks to his ability to do a great job for the Republican Party and all the people in the 11th District.”

According to Murray, Meadows impressed Macon County GOP during his past visits. “I was impressed with his grasp of state and national issues as well as international issues,” said Murray. “We are excited about Mark Meadows running against Hayden Rogers and believe that he has a great chance of beating him in November.”

Meadows will face Democrat Hayden Rogers in the November election. Rogers, who served as the former Chief of Staff to Congressman Heath Shuler, has already begun setting his campaign sites on Meadows.

“Both of the candidates in the 11th District Republican runoff election have run very lengthy and hard-fought campaigns, and I congratulate Mr. Meadows on his victory,” said Rogers in a statement released Wednesday morning. “However, there is a profound difference between who we are; our background, leadership ability, and vision for Western North Carolina and this great nation. I am eager to illustrate those differences to the people of the 11th District and look forward to a spirited and informative campaign.”

Meadows previously stated that he believes the greatest distinguishing factor between himself and Rogers is the fact that Meadows will have a fresh perceptive on Congress. “Hayden Rogers has been a part of Congress that has offered few results, and even fewer concrete decisions that would create jobs,” said Meadows. “The agenda has been one that is placed on our country by the liberals of his party. Even Heath Shuler says he is frustrated that he couldn’t get anything done. I fail to see the prudence of sending a congressman from Western North Carolina who has been part of the Washington machine that has offered little hope, placed blame and has preferred to apologize for America’s greatness instead of standing with pride in defending the American Dream.”

Meadows, who majored in business management, opened a restaurant in Macon County more than 27 years ago and believes that his work ethic and professional success makes him the perfect fit for Congress. “I am a Christian Conservative businessman. I understand that small businesses create jobs, that government regulations hinder that job growth,” said Meadows. “I have lived the American Dream, growing up with very modest means, working my way through college at the University of South Florida. I have been involved in real estate brokerage, construction and development. I know first hand that the people of our district are struggling and it will take action to correct the path we are on. With the vote and confidence of our neighbors and friends, I would be honored to fight along side them to reclaim our country.”

Now looking toward November, Meadows stated that he plans to continue to work to get his message out to the people across the 11th District. “We want to continue taking our message to the people of Western North Carolina,” said Meadows. “We have to hit the ground running. We don’t have time to take time off. We have to make sure that we raise the money it is going to take to be able to get our message out to voters.”

“I believe that it is time for the government to do a Uturn,” continued Meadows. “It is time to realize that government bail outs, federal stimulus plans and Obamacare are not good for our country and are not good for the people of Western North Carolina and for working families who are struggling to make ends meet to keep food on the tables and gas in the cars.”

Meadows plans to hit the campaign trail running and is currently in the stages of finalizing a schedule of meetings throughout the district. He plans to be in Macon County next week to thank voters for their support.

Other state results

In the Republican run-off election for North Carolina Lieutenant Governor, Dan Forest beat out Tony Gurley after securing 101,428 or 67 percent of the 149,406 votes cast.

With 54 percent of the vote, Ed Goodwin beat out his challenger Kenn Gardner for the Republican nominee for N.C. Secretary of State.

Mike Causey secured 57 percent of the votes against Richard Morgan, which secured his seat at the Republican nominee for the N.C. Commissioner of Insurance.

In the Democratic run-off election for the N.C. Commissioner of Labor seat, John C. Brooks garnered 54 percent of the votes allowing him to beat challenger Marlowe Foster.